"One option the Coalition could consider – ask Kevin Rudd if he would like to be considered for appointment as Australian Ambassador to the United Nations under a Coalition Government. Since the temporary position commences on 1 January 2013, Mr Rudd would want to be in a position to take up such an appointment prior to that day. As the Constitution makes it illegal for a MP to accept a Commonwealth salary, he would need to resign from Parliament."

Posted by Herbert Stencil, Friday, 19 October 2012 6:51:19 AM

I wonder how many secret deals and hand-outs we made in order to “secure” votes?The whole exercise was a waste of time and money.

Posted by SPQR, Friday, 19 October 2012 8:58:54 AM

A useful summary, particularly as it highlights the fact that preparation for the bis began under the Howard government and, until the elevation of Tony Abbott to the leadership, enjoyed bipartisan support. Although I personally have reservations about Australia's independence from US foreign policy positions on balance the election probably is a good thing. It is certainly a view supported by a solid majority of Australians, the carping of the usual suspects notwithstanding.

I have one query though Thom. In the article you refer to the UN sanctioned war in Afghanistan. That is not correct. Despite strenuous efforts by the US and its allies the UN refused to pass any resolution authorising military action. That was was, and remains, illegal in international law.

Posted by James O'Neill, Friday, 19 October 2012 12:08:00 PM

What is the point, unnecessary expense, what will change as Australian govt. tows the line with the U.S. govt. anyway & wouldn't dare disagree.

Posted by Newfie, Friday, 19 October 2012 1:51:49 PM

We will vote for every war and continue to jail and persecute the victims of wars we start.

As we have been on the UNHCR exex. committee since day 1 and ignore the rules why would we be good international citizens.

Posted by Marilyn Shepherd, Friday, 19 October 2012 2:07:47 PM

“As the 10th largest financial donor to the UN, Australia should also have a role in how that money is spent.”

Even better would be that we did not contribute the money in the first place.

The UN is the greatest centre of corruption to exist so far, and does more damage than it does good.

It is an unelected unaccountable body that cannot be allowed continued existence in its present form.

Rudd and Gillard have been supporters of the UN. Rudd, immediately he was appointed Minister for Defence, paid 2 billion dollars to the UN.Gillard perpetrated the fraud of the carbon tax on the basis of the lies emanating from the UN puppet, the IPCC. Biofuel subsidies, another outcome of the AGW fraud, have resulted in food shortages that the UN describes as a “crime against humanity”. So much viable land was devoted to biofuels that a food shortage resulted, meaning that many in the undeveloped world will starve, despite record harvests.

It will be a year before we have decent government, and in the meantime the UN has closer ties to Australia, which can only be detrimental

The 2009 poll was an indication of the attitude of the electorate then. I hope they are not still of that mind after seeing the expense and efforts made by Labor.